Popular Singapore radio DJ Dee Kosh was handed seven charges in court today after being accused of asking minors for sex last year.
The 32-year-old online personality and YouTuber, whose real name is Darryl Ian Koshy, was charged with sexually exploiting a youth, communicating with a minor to obtain sexual services, and making as well as possessing a lewd film.
If found guilty, he faces several years in jail and hefty fines.
Koshy, who is currently active on the Twitch live streaming platform, last year denied soliciting sexual favors from minors after at least five people went online to accuse him.
A 17-year-old was allegedly offered S$1,000 to go to Koshy’s home for sexual favors while another claimed he was offered “celebrity blowjobs.” Koshy was also accused of using “inappropriate” language with a 15-year-old on social media.
Even though Singapore’s age of sexual consent is 16, it is illegal to pay someone under 18 for sex.
As the events unfolded, Koshy was removed as co-host from production house Night Owl Cinematics, took a break from his part-time DJ job at radio station Power 98, and lost associates under his talent agency.
Under the Children and Young Persons Act for sexual exploitation of a young person, those convicted could be fined up to S$10,000 and jailed for up to five years. For communicating with a minor for the purpose of obtaining sexual services, he could be jailed up to two years and pay a fine.
He could be jailed up to two years and pay a fine of up to S$40,000 for making an obscene film, or spend up to six months’ jail and pay up to S$20,000 fine for possessing them.
After this story was published, Power 98 FM said Koshy was suspended after being charged in court. He had been on leave since August last year.
“Dee Kosh has been on no-pay leave since the case surfaced. He has now been suspended from duties since being charged,” a statement said.
Update: This story was updated with the latest on Koshy’s job.
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